Independent board trustee volunteer roles

The Finance Committee oversees on how the RTPI’s financial assets are being managed and employed for the benefits of our members. The Committee is a mix of members of the RTPI Board of Trustees and independent co-opted members. It reports directly to the Board who then report to the General Assembly.

Outline of role

Review funding requests and financial information. Bring analysis, constructive challenge and an independent perspective to the Committee’s discussions and decision-making.

Impact of the role

The Board of Trustee has delegated some of its responsibilities relating to the review of financial information, the oversight of major projects and investment management to the Finance Committee. Members of the Finance Committee assist the RTPI by providing an additional layer of scrutiny and assurance to support the RTPI Board’s decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to both RTPI members and non-members
• Experience in reviewing management accounts, budgets and long-term financial plans
• Experience in overseeing the management of investments and/or
• Experience in reviewing major project funding requests

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next chapter of our journey. We bring together two powerful causes, the fight for women’s rights and the fight against domestic abuse, under one purpose: to ensure that women, children and wider communities experiencing domestic abuse are free to live a life without abuse.

We are proud to deliver specialist domestic abuse services across Greater Manchester while protecting and sharing the story of Emmeline Pankhurst and the suffragette movement through the Pankhurst Centre.

As we prepare to develop our next strategic plan, we are looking for trustees who share our passion for challenging inequality and creating lasting change. You’ll join a skilled and committed Board that works closely with our experienced Executive Leadership Team to ensure that our vision, values, and purpose continue to thrive.

Who we’re looking for

We are keen to hear from applicants from all backgrounds who are motivated by our mission and share our values.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Leading growth and transformational change
• Business development or corporate fundraising
• Heritage, HR, or property management

Above all, we are looking for people who can think strategically, bring fresh perspectives, and work collaboratively as part of a diverse, values-led Board.

Our commitment to inclusion

As an organisation led by and for women, and in line with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this role is open to women only.

We recognise that women are not one single group, and that experiences of inequality can be shaped by race, disability, sexuality, class, and lived experience. We particularly encourage applications from women from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled women, LGBTQ+ women, women with caring responsibilities and those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

If you share our values and want to contribute to a purposeful, feminist organisation making a difference in Manchester and beyond, we would love to hear from you.

What to expect

• Time commitment of approximately 3 hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings (usually in person at the Pankhurst Centre), quarterly sub-committee meetings (usually held online), an Annual General Meeting, and occasional strategy / development days.
• Trustee terms are 3 years, with the option to renew.
• You’ll play an active role in setting strategy, ensuring good governance, and supporting our leadership team.

How to apply

Please download our Trustee Candidate Pack for more information.

Please submit your CV and a personal statement telling us why you’re interested in becoming a Trustee and how your skills and experience aligns with our mission and values.

Application deadline: Friday 7 November 2025

Interviews: Monday 17 November 2025

Chair of Trustees Role Profile

• Remuneration: This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses for travel may be reimbursed.
• Location: Must be available for board meetings in person in London
• Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings, annual strategy day, plus additional time for Chair duties as required
• Term: 3 years (renewable up to a maximum tenure of 9 years)

The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively to support and guide the charity in achieving its mission. The Chair is responsible for setting the tone for the Board’s work, promoting a strong culture of governance, and facilitating effective, inclusive decision-making. The Chair helps to steward the strategic direction of Dallaglio RugbyWorks, ensuring that the charity remains focused on its purpose, values, and long-term sustainability. The Chair also acts as a key ambassador for the organisation and helps build productive relationships both within the Board and with external stakeholders, including the charity’s founder.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in maintaining a clear and strategic focus on the charity’s mission, values and long-term goals.
• Chair quarterly board meetings, facilitating inclusive, well-informed, and effective decision-making.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance among Trustees.
• Provide a supportive and constructive relationship with the CEO, acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor.
• Ensure that the board fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities, including oversight of financial health, compliance and risk.
• Ensure robust financial oversight, including the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation, and the appropriate use of resources.
• Build and maintain a constructive and appropriate relationship with the charity’s founder, supporting their continued connection to the mission while ensuring clarity of roles and governance.
• Represent the charity externally, where appropriate, to build its profile, credibility and influence.
• Support the executive team by facilitating introductions to key contacts, influencers, and potential supporters or partners.
• Lead board development, including Trustee recruitment, succession planning, and reviews of board performance.
• Champion best practice in governance and uphold the charity’s values and reputation.
• The Chair is a member of the Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee, with twice yearly online meetings to be attended.

General Trustee Responsibilities

As Chair, you also carry the core responsibilities of a Trustee, including:

• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and all relevant legislation and regulation. Using your skills, knowledge and experience to support sound decision-making and organisational development.
• Safeguarding the assets and values of the charity, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve charitable purposes.
• Acting in the best interests of Dallaglio RugbyWorks at all times, exercising reasonable care and independent judgement.
• Promoting transparency, inclusivity, and integrity across the organisation.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. Trustees will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonable commensurate with the role. The Board of Trustees is jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Person Specification

We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Experience

• Proven experience chairing a Board or senior committee in a charity, public body or corporate setting.
• Previous experience serving as a charity Trustee, with a strong understanding of governance and collective responsibility is highly desirable.
• A respected professional with credibility and connections in relevant sectors, able to influence and support the charity through relationships and networks.
• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Dallaglio RugbyWorks.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders.
• A track record of strategic thinking, sound judgement and independent decision making.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and the legal duties of charity trustees.

Skills & Attributes

• A strategic and inclusive leader with strong facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and navigate complex discussions.
• Prepared to commit the time required for effective leadership, including attending quarterly Board meetings in person and supporting ad hoc responsibilities between meetings.
• Willing to use personal and professional networks to support the charity’s development, profile, and partnerships.

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting Tullie to recruit up to four new Trustees to its Board including a successor to the Chair.

Tullie is one of the UK’s leading independent museums. It has been a vital community asset since 1893. The museum welcomes over 200,000 visitors through its doors every year and is recognised for its first-class visitor service and has a national reputation for the quality of its award-winning exhibitions and learning programmes.

It is one of the most significant museums in the north-west and has been run as an independent charitable trust since May 2011. Tullie has embarked on an ambitious, phased capital development programme - Project Tullie. It has now completed the first two phases and will be commencing the third phase in Autumn 2025. The Project is planned to continue over the next 10-years and will transform the museum and surrounding buildings into a welcoming and contemporary space fit for the next 100 years.

Tullie is looking for four new trustees to provide strategic and inspirational leadership to the charity as it seeks further growth and delivery of its charitable objectives.

The museum is seeking applicants with experience and/or skills in the following areas:

1. Curatorial / Museum Leadership
2. Finance
3. Fundraising
4. Digital / Marketing
5. Education

What Tullie needs:

• A commitment to understanding and supporting the Museum’s mission.
• Strategic vision; good, independent judgment.
• Ability to think creatively and willingness to speak your mind.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Active role in fundraising (national and international opportunities) and sharing support for the charity through personal and professional networks.
• An interest and passion in environmental issues.
• Someone who can become Chair.
• Someone who has an interest in or connection to Cumbria would be desirable.

Time commitment:

• A minimum of four board meetings per annum in person (currently taking place on a Friday afternoon).
• Annual Board awayday in person.
• Attendance on at least one committee, which is likely to be four meetings per annum (depending on the committee, these maybe online).
• Attendance of at least one quarterly meeting of our Community Board (this may be online).

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position & as such does not pay a salary. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Term of office: an initial 3-year term.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 31st October 2025

Please see the attached Recruitment Brief with details on how to apply.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick Shanks – via the apply button.

Both Tullie and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Freeways and Freeways Trust, as part of their business plan for expansion, have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join our Board/s based at Abbots Leigh, Bristol.  This is a voluntary role and will require commitment for approximately 8 hours each month.

About us:

Freeways is a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities. We are a highly regarded provider of supported living services and residential care. The aim of our services is to support people to become as independent as possible by helping them make choices, learn new skills and make links with their local community.  We fundamentally believe that all individuals should be treated with respect and supported to be valued members of our communities irrespective of their ability. 

Freeways Trust own, manage and maintain the majority of properties that Freeways use.

The role of Trustee:

As a Trustee, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Freeways and/or Freeways Trust. You will play a vital role in ensuring our charities continue to evolve. You will be part of a team that is not just providing care but actively campaigning for the rights and inclusion of people with learning disabilities, helping them to live fulfilling and happy lives. Your skills and passion would directly contribute to a cause that is both essential and deeply rewarding.

As part of the Board of Trustees you will provide sound governance, strategic oversight, guidance and support to further the charitable aims and objectives.  See role description for further details. 

We are looking for a range of skills and experience particularly in the following areas (but not limited to):

- Finance (at a senior management/director level)

- Property development and/or construction

- Care or health sector experience (including psychology/psychiatry)

We would also welcome applicants with skills and experience in:

- IT/systems
- Marketing/PR/communications

- Commissioning experience

- Local government experience (including social work)

- Charity sector experience

- Business development

Other skills and abilities we are looking for in our Trustee:

- A commitment to the charities and their business aims and values.
- A commitment to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgment and decision-making skills.
- An ability to think creatively.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a team member.

In return for your commitment, as a Trustee you will have the opportunity to:

- Make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.

- Extend your network and enhance your influencing and leadership skills.
- Demonstrate your leadership skills to future employers.

- Work alongside highly experienced board professionals.
- Receive training and development in areas such as governance, leadership and safeguarding.
- Benefit from a tailored induction.
- Be reimbursed reasonable travel expenses. 

We recognise that a diverse board brings new perspectives, improves governance and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion, therefore we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

To support working applicants the Trustee meetings are generally held every two months via zoom in the early evenings; with two per year being in-person meetings.  There may be a requirement to provide some additional support outside these meetings which can also be done virtually and should not exceed more than 8 hours per month. 

Closing date: 31 October 2025

Initial interview date: TBC

All Trustees must complete a range of statutory and regulatory background checks including enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List check.

For more information about Freeways and the valuable work we do, please visit our website.

If you have the requirements listed to become our Trustee, please apply today. We would love to hear from you!

Trustee – Toynbee Hall

Help shape a fairer future as a Trustee at Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall has been tackling poverty and injustice from our home in London’s East End since 1884. We work alongside local communities to provide vital advice and support, carry out research and advocacy, and create space for people to come together and shape solutions to the challenges we all face.

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next chapter of our work. Trustees play a crucial role in setting our strategy, safeguarding our mission and ensuring the organisation remains focused, effective and sustainable.

We are particularly looking for a Trustee with a background in finance, accountancy or financial decision making to join our Finance Committee.

You do not need previous experience as a Trustee as we will provide a full induction and support, but you do need to bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and a commitment to building a fairer future.

We aim for a Board that reflects the communities we serve and especially welcome applications from people connected to Tower Hamlets and the East End, as well as from candidates who are Black or Asian or who bring diverse lived experiences.

Time commitment: Four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away day, and membership of at least one committee, which meets up to three times a year, usually online. Trustees serve a three year term, renewable up to a maximum of nine years.

Applications are open until midday on 10 November 2025.

Being a Trustee

IRMO’s Board of Trustees is made up of six to nine Trustees, who work together to ensure the charity is run properly. As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to support IRMO’s strategic development and oversee its finances. Trustees meet every two months (usually online in the evening) and are asked to commit an additional eight to ten hours between meetings to follow up on actions and provide advice and input on strategic documents and areas of work relevant to their areas of expertise.

General Responsibilities 

• Stay up to date with and assess the political, economic and social contexts that affect IRMO’s work

• Support the development of and approve IRMO’s key strategic documents

• Annually review and approve IRMO’s budget

• Review, update and approve major policies

• Approve salaries, benefits, terms and conditions for staff

• Ensure that IRMO’s financial structure is adequate for its current needs and long-term strategy

• Ensure that the organisation has the necessary resources in place to meet its long-term goals

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is adequately informed of the condition of the organisation and its operations

• Ensure that published reports adequately reflect the nature of the services and the financial condition of the organisation

• Approve major actions of the organisation, such as capital expenditure over authorised limits and major changes in activities and services 

• Review staff results in relation to IRMO’s aims and objectives, as well as annual and long-term goals

• Appoint, supervise, support, and appraise IRMO’s CEO

• Provide candid and constructive criticism, advice, comments and praise

• Ensure that the CEO has established appropriate policies to define and identify conflicts of interest throughout the organisation and are administering and enforcing those policies

• Appoint independent examiners/auditors subject to approval by members

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation affecting the organisation

• Annually review the performance of the Board of Trustees and take steps to improve its performance

Person Specification

• Commitment to IRMO’s mission, values and vision

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• Understanding of the challenges facing small to medium UK charities 

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties 

• Integrity 

• Strategic vision 

• Good, independent judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills

• Personal/professional networks that will enhance IRMO’s positioning

• English (essential), Spanish and/or Portuguese (desirable)

• Knowledge and experience in one of the following areas is also desirable: Corporate and Major Donor Fundraising, HR, Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Campaigning and Community Engagement.

Independent Non- Executive Director (INED)

Unpaid role, expenses paid

 Home based with occasional travel. Four Board Meetings per annum

Our Mission: To provide exceptional education and support, inspiring young people to thrive within football and in life.

League Football Education (LFE) was established in 2004 by The English Football League (EFL) and The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to deliver the Sporting Excellence Apprenticeship to the 16 to 18 year old apprentice footballers at EFL clubs. We are also responsible for a full-time 16-19 Study Programme at various Football Club Charities (FCC), who complete sport related qualifications in order to progress to University or full-time employment.

LFE is a niche national training provider, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver the above two programmes with in excess of 1,100 apprentices and 500 Study Programme learners on programme.

The main purpose of the role is to provide oversight and support the Board, with a specialism and experience of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF), providing scrutiny and challenge to the Senior Team regarding Ofsted expectations together with an awareness of DfE requirements.

LFE is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic INED to join our Board to actively contribute to the strategic direction and evaluate performance.

LFE was judge as “Outstanding” in all aspects in February 2023 and strives to be “Exceptional” in the next inspection.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions and cautions. Amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provides that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. 

Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Check and references.

LFE is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity. 

LFE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

For further details, please download the job description and person specification. To apply, please send a CV and a statement in support of your application to Jenny Hornby.

Closing date: Noon on Thursday 30th October 2025

Are you looking to put your experience, knowledge and skills to use in a unique challenging and exciting charitable environment?  Then why not consider becoming a Trustee of Portsmouth Historic Quarter.  

What will you be doing?

We look to new Trustees who join our Board to maintain and continue to build upon our capacity and diversity. We are a skills-based Board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, which are relevant to the nature of PHQ and our key areas of operation. We are particularly looking for the following skills and experience:

• Commercial property experience, either in surveying or lettings and commercial property management.
• Financial management (at Finance Director level or above) incorporating astrong background in audit management and oversight.
• Gosport residents with experience of the local commercial, political or heritagelandscapes.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to broaden the diversity of our Board. Previous Trustee experience is not necessary.

What are we looking for?

We are keen to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

Knowledge & Experience:

• The ability to provide strategic oversight and advice, valuating the risks and opportunities in your area of expertise/experience for other Trustees to enable them to engage in an informed way.
• Experience in driving and evaluating organisation delivery and improvement.
• You can draw on your knowledge, contacts and networks to support the work of PHQ.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic and creative thinking.
• Ability to provide effective support and challenge in a Board setting.
• Ability to probe facts, challenge assumptions, and identify advantages and disadvantages of proposals.
• Work effectively as part of a team taking an active role in discussions and decisions.

Essential qualities:

• Commitment to PHQ's mission, strategy and values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be an effective Trustee.
• Good, independent judgement and willingness to express your views.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity.

What difference will you make?

You will shape the strategy of PHQ and monitor progress on the delivery of that strategy, providing support, challenge and advice to a small executive management team.  Each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. They should be ambassadors for PHQ, safeguarding our values and good name.

Before you apply

We would like applicants to tell us how they think they would support the work of PHQ.

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

Rising Sun is a charity in Kent working to end domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects.  We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Established in 1978, we represent, campaign for, and support the delivery of specialist domestic abuse and prevention of violence against women and girls services in Kent, as part of a UK network.

We aim to:

• Prevent domestic abuse.
• Provide specialist services for survivors of domestic abuse which are survivor centred, trauma informed and gender responsive.
• Work in partnership with survivors and other services to provide a holistic and meaningful response to bring about lasting change.
• Advocate for survivors and provide a platform for their voice to be heard.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team and Trustee Board. Flexible working is available in the majority of roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Trustee Board Duties and Collective Responsibilities

• Trustees have overall responsibility for managing the affairs of Rising Sun, to ensure high quality services for victim-survivors of domestic abuse, including children and young people
• Trustees ensure that Rising Sun operates within the law and within the confines of any contract it may have in place with other bodies, such as grant-giving organisations, housing associations and local authorities
• Trustees ensure that the business of Rising Sun is conducted openly and with integrity
• Trustees ensure that the Rising Sun operates within the terms of its governing document, framework and overall aims and objectives
• Trustees participate in defining strategic direction
• Trustees oversee the policies and procedures that underpin the work of Rising Sun
• Trustees oversee financial affairs
• Trustees safeguard the reputation and interests of Rising Sun
• Trustees identify, mitigate and manage risks
• Trustees work in the context of any authorities delegated by the Board
• Trustees support the Chair in carrying out duties as requested
• Trustees provide advice and guidance in areas of experience and expertise
• Trustees Provide challenge and support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team as required.

Person Specification

Charity Law requires that any Trustee must be 18 or over, not be an undischarged bankrupt and not have been convicted of any unspent offence involving dishonesty or deception.

It is essential that all Trustees meet the qualities and requirements in the person specification below. In addition, all Trustees of Rising Sun are women because of the specialist nature of our work.

• Commitment to addressing violence against women and girls; and for the right of women and children to live and enjoy their lives in a safe environment
• Agreement with, and willingness to uphold, the aims and ethos of the organisation
• Commitment to give necessary time and effort to the role, and to actively promote the organisation and its work
• Good independent judgement
• Ability to work well as a member of a team
• Integrity and honesty, tolerance and patience
• Commitment to act in the best interest of the Rising Sun
• Understanding of working with confidential material
• Be able to attend meetings on a regular basis
• Be willing to learn about the organisation, its work and trustee responsibilities, and for this purpose to attend training and other events

Our Board

Our trustee board is currently made up of seven trustees, all women, who are passionate about our mission and framework, and who bring a range of skills and experience from social care and health to finance and research. We would like to recruit three or four new trustees in this round and would particularly welcome applications from people with skills and experience in communications, commissioning, safeguarding and trauma informed work.

Trustee Board meetings are held every two months from 5.30-7.30pm in person in Canterbury, with the option of online via MS Teams for occasions when trustees cannot make it in person. The CEO attends all meetings and members of the Senior Leadership Team attend on rotation. As well as standing agenda items there are always interesting and exciting opportunities to discuss, as well as challenges and risks to the organisation.

Further Information

Time Commitment

• Estimated at 2-4 hours per month comprising:
• Six 2-hour board meetings per year - most meetings are in-person in Canterbury (usually at the Prince of Wales Youth Club or another local venue if the youth club is unavailable)
• Time to read and reflect on board papers
• Attending an annual away day and occasional training sessions
• Attending optional team meetings and survivor focus groups

Note – the time commitment may be slightly greater in the initial 6 month probation and induction period due to induction activities and training.

Terms of appointment

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with the potential for re-election.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees receive a welcome pack and an induction with the Board and CEO, including an opportunity to meet some of the team and service users
• Trustees will be required to complete a DBS check and complete Safeguarding training
• Additional training may be offered where necessary.

How to Apply

To apply please send us your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in being a trustee at Rising Sun, the skills and experience you will bring to the Trustee Board, and what you would hope to get out of the role. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal chat with one of our trustees and, if still interested in the role, an interview with trustees and the CEO.

#trustee #trusteeship

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (the Institute or NIESR) is one of Britain’s leading independent policy and research institutes dedicated to understanding the economic and social forces that shape people’s lives.

NIESR has a long-standing reputation for accurate, authoritative analysis founded on excellent research, and for bringing its insights to bear on the issues of the day. As such, it acts to bring together an array of policymakers, academics, the media and other research institutes, and plays a pivotal role in both national and international policy debates.

We are seeking to appoint up to three trustees to join the Institute’s Council of Management and are seeking individuals with backgrounds in HR, leadership within an SME professional services context, or economic research.

Our Trustees are responsible for overseeing the management of the Institute, including approving strategy, operational plans and budgets, monitoring organisational performance, managing the Institute’s principal risks and ensuring the fulfilment of the Institute’s charitable objectives. The time commitment for a trustee is the equivalent of between half a day and a day a month. The role is not remunerated.

Full details of the role and responsibilities of a trustee can be found in our Trustee Candidate Pack attached. 

The skills and experience that we are looking for are:

 Experience

• An individual with senior HR expertise, preferably in a context where professional staff are the key asset of an organisation; OR
• Someone with leadership experience in a small-to-medium sized organisation, preferably within a professional services context and in an economics-related field; OR
• An internationally-renowned academic with research interests aligned to the work of the Institute.

 Skills and abilities

• An understanding and appreciation of the work of NIESR and its importance to public policy.
• The ability to act with credibility and authority in the role as trustee, preferably with experience of working in a governance or board context.
• Fully able to commit to attendance of Council meetings and relevant sub-committee meetings.
• Objectivity, fairness, independence of mind, integrity, wisdom, discretion and good judgement. 
• Strategic vision and the ability to focus on practical issues.
• Readiness to make and be accountable for decisions.
• A willingness to attend other NIESR events and engage with NIESR publications and output.

To apply

To apply for a trustee position at NIESR, please send:

• A tailored CV of no more than two pages; and
• A supporting statement of no more than one side of A4 setting out how you meet the skills and experience criteria outlined above.

Your statement should detail your relevant experience, ensuring it is aligned with the role description and person specification above, and providing specific evidence demonstrating how you meet the criteria. Your statement should also highlight your interest in the work of the Institute and your motivation for joining our Council of Management.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our board to ensure the Institute benefits — at board level — from a broader range of perspectives, more creativity in generating ideas and solutions, and to improve decision-making. In addition to finding individuals with the specific skills outlined above, we would especially welcome applications from women, who are under-represented on our board.